No More Roughing It: International Expeditions Makes Getting Off the Beaten Path Luxuriously Simple in 2012

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For 2012, International Expeditions is expanding their destination line-up, making it simple for intrepid travelers to explore remote destinations like Guyana, Madagascar and even trek the Salkantay Trail in style.

Trek from lodge to lodge along Peru's Salkantay Trail with the help of IE guides.

Many travelers who used to be comfortable with a ‘do-it-yourself’ approach to travel planning have discovered the value in allowing a tour operator to handle all of the logistical details involved with exploring remote destinations.

Helena, AL (PRWEB)February 15, 2012

More and more travelers are craving destinations that offer under-the-radar appeal, active excursion options and authentic connections to the local people and environment. In fact, adventure travelers now constitute 26% of the traveling population, according to the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s Adventure Tourism Marketing Report, and are more likely to seek out new destinations before mainstream travelers. Appealing to this increasing demographic of discerning and adventurous explorers, nature travel pioneer International Expeditions is offering travel to remote destinations like Guyana, Madagascar and beyond in 2012.

“Many travelers who used to be comfortable with a ‘do-it-yourself’ approach to travel planning have discovered the value in allowing a tour operator like IE to handle all of the logistical details involved with exploring remote destinations,” said Bill Robison, IE’s Director of Program Development. “The backpacker generation of the 1970s still want an authentic sense of discovery, but they now have less time and higher standards — no more bunk beds and hostels!”

For 2012, International Expeditions is expanding their line-up and pioneering upscale travel to spot exotic wildlife, hike through pristine trails and sample tantalizing cuisine in destinations where few tour operators go. Plus, IE takes care of details such as airport transfers, most tips and the entire pre-tour planning process to ensure a seamless adventure. IE’s hallmark is its comprehensive itineraries featuring engaging activities, authentic encounters with the local people and passionate world-class naturalist guides who enhance each experience with their knowledge of the destinations visited.

On IE’s Guyana & Trinidad tour, travelers combine Guyana’s pristine nature with three days at Trinidad’s world famous Asa Wright Nature Center. Guests on this rustic adventure journey deep into the heart of one of Earth’s last untouched tropical rainforests and have the chance to spot more than 800 bird species. Chartered flight to and from remote Kaieteur Falls set this itinerary apart from what travelers can arrange with scheduled flights.

“The scheduled flight to Kaieteur is unreliable and is often just cancelled altogether if enough seats aren’t sold,” said Robison. “Traveling with a seasoned tour operator provides a safety net if unexpected changes occur.”

Island life takes on new meaning as travelers set foot on Madagascar, where lemurs cavort in the shade offered by lush forests and charming Malagasy people welcome guests to Earth’s oldest island. On IE’s new Madagascar safari, guests spend 17 days on naturalist-guided hiking and boating excursions looking for unique endemic wildlife. Accompanying IE guests is Cassiano “Zapa” Zaparolli, a seasoned expedition leader who has guided for such groups as National Wildlife Federation and Smithsonian. Joining Zapa will be a Malagasy expedition leader and local naturalists.

“Frankly, travel to Madagascar can be difficult if you aren’t in the hands of an experienced travel provider,” said Robison. “Flight delays and last-minute changes are part of traveling there, but IE guests travel with an expedition leader and guides who look after them every step of the way. “

International Expeditions can also help travelers harness their inner “backpacker” with a fully customized trek on the Salkantay Trail. A less-touristy alternative to the Inca Trail, Salkantay passes through stunning Andean scenery before ending at Machu Picchu. Although the excitement and surroundings are reminiscent of rugged mountain climbs, the accommodations are anything but rustic. After a day of guided hiking along the trail, IE guests spend their evenings at boutique mountain lodges, where warm showers and cold drinks greet them at day’s end.